Tyler Adams: The kid from New York set to light up the Bundesliga

FOX Sports Asia football editor Gabriel Tan recently caught up with RB Leipzig’s American starlet Tyler Adams, who looks set for a bright future in the Bundesliga.

Only a few minutes had passed since the final whistle of Monday’s 1-1 draw between RB Leipzig and Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga.

As he walked through the Red Bull Arena tunnel and back into the dressing room, there was intensity on the face of Tyler Adams.

Highlights – RB Leipzig vs TSG 1899 Hoffenheim

It was tricky to pinpoint the exact emotion he was feeling at that moment.

Perhaps exhaustion from a battling display after coming on at halftime to help RB Leipzig rescue a point courtesy of Willi Orban’s 89th-minute equaliser.

Maybe frustration considering the hosts had more than enough chances in the second half to arguably deserve the win.

It could even have been a look of reflection at another learning experience, having made his fifth appearance in one of Europe’s top leagues since joining from New York Red Bulls in the January window.

Adams notched his first Bundesliga assist on February 16 against Stuttgart.

After a brief moment in the dressing room to put on a jacket, Adams was whisked back out to speak to journalists from Asia on a media visit organised by the Bundesliga.

Almost immediately, he broke into a wide grin as he greeted all present and any look of seriousness was replaced by the youthful enthusiasm one would expect from a 20-year-old in the midst of realising the dream of playing top-level football.

In those few moments, it is easy to see why many are expecting big things from the United States midfielder, with nine senior caps to his name already.

Showing a nice bit of enterprise to take on an opponent before slipping a neat pass to Marcel Sabitzer, Adams instigated the move which led to Die Roten Bullen’s equaliser on Monday evening, although it was far from his only highlight.

With a sharp tackle to break up play on several occasions, as well as a casual first-time flick inside the area which almost carved out a chance for the hosts, the kid from New York showed plenty to impress not only his current boss Ralf Rangnick, but also Hoffenheim coach Julian Nagelsmann, who will take over at the Red Bull Arena next season.

“Absolutely, I’m getting more confidence day by day,” he added.

“Everything I do in training, I’m trying to get shaper so that, realistically, when I enter the pitch, I’m ready to go.

“Obviously, it’s about making good impressions but, at the same time, having fun with it.